Question: Is Writing a Good Work at Home Job?
I've been searching for a work at home job, and found your site on freelance writing. Is freelance writing a good career choice for a mother who wants to work at home with her children?
Answer:
Writing can be a good work at home career choice, but, with children underfoot? Maybe. Maybe not. Consider these points:
Cons of Freelance Writing with Kids
- Writing takes concentration. If you’re interrupted every 5-10 minutes, or even every hour, it’s possible that your writing tone and output will reflect that.
- Freelance writing is more than writing. Many writers aren’t in their offices nearly as much as they’d like to be. There are client meetings, research trips and administrative tasks that need to be taken care of—away from the home.
- There’s a lot of phone work. I have, personally, hid in closets trying to finish phone interviews, and have heard similar stories from other freelancers.
- Your time is flexible. Of course, being available to your children when they are sick or going on a field trip or whatnot is a major plus. As long as you meet your deadlines, your clients generally won’t care when you work.
- Your are being a mentor and example. Your children will learn a lot about working and writing if your career is meshing with their everyday world. Seeing mom or dad enjoy and cultivate a skill serves as a great example that some kids don’t get.
Pros of Freelance Writing with Kids
Carefully plan your freelance writing career. Think about balancing child-free time with the times when your children are present, and you’ll find a way to have the best of both worlds!
